The Winter People

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  My gaze met his. “Okay.”

  He held out his hand to me and I hopped on the back of his bike.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  Stars twinkled above as Gareth sped down the darkened highway. The summer breeze licked at my skin and I nestled closer to him. I lived for taking rides with him. There was something almost magical about the wind rushing past or the way you could see the sky without having a windshield in the way. But mostly I liked how I felt. How freeing it was. Almost like an out of body experience without really going anywhere.

  We traveled several miles before he pulled into a parking lot. He cut the engine and we climbed off. Already, I heard the waves crashing in the distance.

  “Oh my gosh, I haven’t been to the beach since prom,” I said. When I’d spent an entire night dancing in his arms. A moment that’d be etched in my mind forever. For the rest of my life, the beach would hold a huge significance. It’d be the place I always associated with Gareth. And dancing. Stuff that dreams were made of.

  Once we had our shoes off, he offered me his hand. We followed a path through waist-high grass, until we reached the beach. Cool sand squished between my toes.

  Moonlight glittered off the cresting waves of Lake Michigan.

  “It’s so beautiful out here.” I sighed.

  “C’mon, let’s go on the pier.”

  “Seriously?”

  He chuckled. “Yes. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe.” He tugged me closer.

  We walked onto the cement pier, the water splashing below. We went out a ways, moving closer to the lighthouse at the end of the cement structure. Gareth sat on the edge and pulled me down next to him.

  A campfire glowed on one of the beaches. This is what summer was supposed to be about. Friends. The beach. Having fun. A buoy clanged from somewhere on the water. I closed my eyes, letting the wind caress my skin.

  “This is one of the places I like coming to in the human world. The water reminds me of home.”

  “Do you miss it there?”

  His thumb brushed over my palm. “Sometimes, but it’s not like I can’t go back there. I take short trips when I can.”

  I glanced at his profile. Strong cheekbones, shaggy hair. He was so perfect. So kind. “I’m sorry.”

  He turned to look at me. “Why?”

  “Because you’re stuck here watching after me.”

  He swiped a strand of hair from my face. “Trust me, if I didn’t want to be here with you, I wouldn’t be.”

  My skin warmed. “Most days I don’t know what I’d do without you. Not just because you look out for me, but because you get me. It’s like I can be myself around you. There are no lies.”

  He shifted his gaze toward the shoreline. “I care about what happens to you. In the end, I just want you to be okay.”

  I scooted closer until my leg pressed against his. My head rested on his shoulder. This was how things should be. No worries. No frightening things happening.

  Clouds drifted across the sky, blotting out the moon. Thunder rumbled in the distance.

  Gareth climbed to his feet. “We need to get off the pier. There’s a storm blowing in.”

  We hurried along the break-way. As soon as we hit the sand, the sky opened up. Large raindrops splattered on the side of my face.

  “Holy crap, it’s cold.” I laughed.

  “Quick, we can take cover over there.” He pointed to the small pavilion.

  My dress clung to me as the downpour soaked my clothing. Water dripped off my hair and down my face. Wet sand stuck to my feet, spraying across the back of my legs as I ran. At last we made it to the roofed picnic area.

  “Maybe the beach wasn’t the best idea,” Gareth teased, shaking his hair out.

  “You think?” I giggled, trying to ring out my skirt.

  He grinned, grabbing me around the waist and tugging me closer. “Are you mocking me?”

  I wrapped my arms around his neck as he spun me around. “No. I swear.”

  We laughed as he twirled us. When he stopped, we didn’t move apart. Instead, we stood, staring at one another. His fingers touched my face with gentle strokes. My heart pounded.

  He leaned down and, for a brief second, I thought he might kiss me. But he stopped and cleared his throat. “You should probably call your mom and let her know we’re gonna wait for the rain to let up. I don’t want her to worry.”

  I swallowed hard. “I—um don’t have my phone.”

  He reached into his pocket and handed me his then sat on a picnic table. He patted the spot next to him.

  I climbed up beside him then called Mom. After I hung up, Gareth wrapped an arm around my shoulders and we watched the storm move across the lake. Lightning illuminated the darkened sky. The constant rhythm of rain pounded against the metal roof.

  “I wish everyday could be like this,” I said.

  “Like what?”

  “Perfect.” I glanced at his mahogany eyes.

  He raised an eyebrow. “Hmmm…if this is your idea of perfect, it won’t take much more to really impress you.”

  I smiled, nudging his leg with mine. “I’m serious. It’s nice not having to worry about anything. To just be here, you know.”

  “Yeah. I think I do.” He squeezed my arm.

  When the rain stopped, Gareth led me to his motorcycle. He grabbed a towel from one of the side pouches and dried off the seat.

  “Are you going to be warm enough?” He eyed my short skirt.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  He climbed on the bike and I slid in behind him. The breeze was cool, but not unbearable. Already, I felt the heat from his body and it instantly warmed me. The trip home seemed to go much faster than I wanted it to. The truth was, I wouldn’t have minded spending a little more time with him.

  When we got to my house all the lights were blazing. He parked next to my Jeep then cut the engine.

  “Thank you for tonight,” I said as we stood in the driveway.

  He smiled. “You’re welcome.”

  “So, I’ll see you around?” My voice sounded way more hopeful than I meant it to.

  He was quiet for a long moment then glanced down at me. “Yeah, how about tomorrow? I heard there’s a carnival in town—”

  “Yes. I want to go with you.”

  “Then I’ll pick you up around seven.” He caught my hand in his and pulled me into a brief hug.

  When I got to my room, I fell back on my bed smiling. Gareth made me so happy. Was it stupid for me to wish that my life could just stay like this? When I was with him I forgot about everything else. I pictured him standing beneath the pavilion, white T-shirt clinging to his muscular chest.

  Okay, so he was way hot. And he’d totally grown on me more than I imagined he would.

  “Looks like you’ll have sweet dreams tonight.” Gareth’s words wrapped around my mind.

  “Oh my gosh. What are you doing in my thoughts?”

  He chuckled. “You’re the one who didn’t close off your mind. You’re broadcasting your thoughts like a satellite, sweetheart.”

  “And of course you couldn’t just quit listening?”

  “Nope.”

  “You—you’re impossible.”

  “So I’ll still see you tomorrow?” Even in my mind I heard his teasing undertone.

  “Maybe.”

  “I’ll take that as a yes.”

  “I never said—”

  “You didn’t have to.” I felt him smile. “Night, Salome.”

  He shot me an image of him holding my hand on the pier.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  I scoured my closet for something to wear. So far I’d tried on like five outfits. Why was I freaking out? It wasn’t like I had to impress Gareth. I settled on jean shorts, a black tank top, and pair of sandals.

  Mom eyed me when I stood at the window, watching for him. “You must really like Gareth.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  She laughed. “Because you’re antsy as ever. And I’
ve never seen you spend so much time trying to get ready.”

  The black Hummer came up the driveway.

  “Hey, you ready to go?” He smiled when I came out onto the porch.

  I swallowed hard. He looked way hot in his baggy cargo shorts and sleeveless shirt, which gave me a good view of the tattoo that wound its way around his arm. Today, he had his hair tied back at the nape of his neck, his sunglasses propped on top of his head.

  “Yeah.”

  He grinned at me. “So did you sleep well last night?”

  “You should know.” My cheeks went hot, trying not to think about the dream I’d had the night before. And the someone who’d been on the receiving end of the imagined kiss.

  Mom stepped outside carrying a pitcher of lemonade. She smiled at us. “I hope you two lovebirds have fun today.”

  When we got into the Hummer, he chuckled. “Lovebirds, huh?”

  “Don’t you dare start.”

  “Why? I think it’s cute.” He playfully tapped my bare leg.

  I spent the rest of the car ride pretending to be interested in the scenery flashing by my window.

  Gareth managed to find a parking spot across from the fairgrounds, where the carnival was set up.

  “Are you going to be okay on the rides?” I eyed the metal contraptions.

  Gareth nodded. “Yeah, I can be around the iron in small doses.”

  “You know, we don’t have to do this. I—I don’t want you to get hurt.”

  He grinned, entwining his fingers through mine. “I’ll be fine.”

  The scent of popcorn filled the summer air. Kids and adults screamed and laughed from the rides. Colorful lights pulsated, while the music blasted.

  We made our way to the Ferris wheel, where we were loaded into one of the small cars. Gareth climbed in first, then pulled me next to him. He rested his arm across the back of my shoulders, his fingers brushing against my bare skin. The ride jerked, moving us up in the air.

  “Wow, the view up here is beautiful.”

  “Yeah—it is.” His voice sounded hoarse as he stared at me.

  I leaned against him as the Ferris wheel twirled us around. I let myself believe that things would finally be normal for me. That I’d have no more bad days. Winter or otherwise. Because the more I hung out with Gareth the more I realized there were so many things I’d been too scared to do over the years. He was opening my eyes to so many things. And I never wanted it to end.

  When we got off the ride, Kadie, standing next to Zac, called to us from the Tilt-a-Whirl line.

  “Want to go over?” I glanced at Gareth.

  His lips turned up at the corners. “It’s always entertaining to see what she’s gonna ask you.”

  So we made our way over and Kadie gave me a big hug. “Hey, what are you up to?”

  “Just hanging out,” I said.

  “And kissing?” She bumped me with her hip.

  “A lady never tells.”

  “Aw, you’re no fun. You never tell me anything.”

  “Because it’s private.” I met Gareth’s amused glance over my shoulder and couldn’t look away.

  “Salome and I are going to head over to the Haunted Hell Hound ride.” Gareth’s thumb stroked mine.

  “Oh, we’ve already been on that one.” Kadie frowned. “Maybe we can meet up later for fireworks.”

  We waved good-bye then headed toward the haunted ride. While we stood in line, Gareth came up behind me and wrapped his arms around me. I leaned into his chest, my back pressed against him. I loved the feel of him. Of being with him. I ignored the fleeting guilty thoughts about Nevin, the one I was supposed to save.

  “Are you having a good time?” he whispered, as if he sensed my conflicted emotions.

  “Yes. This is most fun I’ve had in forever.” And it was.

  “Good.”

  The attendant helped us into one of the red mining-type cars.

  The cart clanged forward, jerking along the makeshift track. When we got inside, we were plunged into darkness. The air felt much colder. Strobe lights flashed as a werewolf creature popped up next to me.

  I screamed. “Holy shit.”

  Gareth chuckled, tugging me closer to him. I buried my head in his chest, trying to get my heart rate back under control. Goose bumps puckered across my arms. An icy chill raced over me. Something felt wrong. I lifted my head.

  “Salooooome,” someone whispered my name.

  The strobes pulsed faster and within the flashes of light I saw the gauzy lady who’d been on the bus. Oh God. The lights went out. Darkness strangled me. And when the lights flashed on again, she stood next to our car.

  “Salome, you won’t get away from me. Ever.” The creature reached out and her nails scratched my arm. “This winter will be your last.”

  Gareth ripped off our seat belt and jerked me out of the moving car. He rushed me toward the exit. I struggled not to run into animatronic monsters or trip over fake rocks.

  “Hey, get back in your cart,” a man by one of the exit doors yelled. A security guard. But when the guard got close, Gareth shoved him out of our way.

  In the background, I heard the creature’s high-pitched laugh.

  “No. This isn’t happening,” I cried.

  In one swift motion, Gareth scooped me into his arms and we burst outside. He carried me to the parking lot, stopping only when we reached the vehicle.

  He sat me on the seat and examined my bloody arm where I’d been scratched.

  “Damn it!” Gareth’s eyes blazed. “This happened because I let my guard down. You got hurt because of me.”

  “No. This isn’t your fault.”

  He opened his glove box, pulled out a cloth and bottle. He dumped some water on my wound and then cleaned it with the cloth. It stung, making my eyes water.

  “I knew this wasn’t within a safe circle, but I was sure I could protect you.”

  “Gareth.” I touched his face with trembling hands. “I’m okay. See? It’s not your job to protect me.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  My throat tightened. “So is that all I am to you? A job?”

  Gareth pulled back. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

  “You didn’t answer me,” I whispered.

  “No, you’re not just a job.” He whipped around so his back faced me; I wanted to see his face.

  I slid from the seat and walked around the Hummer until I stood in front of him. “Listen to me. You couldn’t have known she’d attack me on a damn carnival ride. I mean, look how many times we’ve been farther away than this and she’s done nothing.” I rested my hand on his cheek. “I’m not gonna let you take the blame for this.”

  Dusk settled around us, the carnival ride lights blinking against the black sky like fireworks. He closed his eyes, his fingers closing over mine. When he opened his lids, he embraced me, wrapping me in his warmth.

  “I will keep you safe, I promise.”

  “I know. Whether I want you to or not.”

  “Come on—let’s get you home.”

  When we got to my house, Gareth followed me to the deck where we slumped into the porch swing. I curled against him, my heart thudding in my ears. We listened to the fireworks going off in the distance.

  “I wish we could’ve met under different circumstances,” he whispered, twirling a lock of my hair around his finger.

  My arms wrapped around him. “Me, too.”

  I had no idea what the future would bring. But there were two things that scared me. One, that I wouldn’t be able to break the curse. And two, that if I did, I’d never see Gareth again.

  Autumn

  The dearest hands that clasp our hands,—

  Their presence may be o’er;

  The dearest voice that meets our ear,

  That tone may come no more!

  Youth fades; and then, the joys of youth,

  Which once refresh’d our mind,

  Shall come—as, on those sighing woods,

  The chill
ing autumn wind.

  Hear not the wind—view not the woods;

  Look out o’er vale and hill—

  In spring, the sky encircled them—

  The sky is round them still.

  Come autumn’s scathe—come winter’s cold—

  Come change—and human fate!

  Whatever prospect Heaven doth bound,

  Can ne’er be desolate.

  —Elizabeth Barrett Browning

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  My hands blistered, sore from raking all day at my grandparents’, and my clothes smelled like smoke from the burn piles. Mom went out with Daryl and I was alone. For once I couldn’t call Kadie to drop in and cheer me up because she’d gone to Texas for school, along with Zac. I missed her tons, but always knew that eventually we’d go our own ways. And with winter fast approaching, I realized just how much I counted on her.

  The air grew crisper every day, more frost needing to be scraped from the windows. The reckoning was coming; I could feel its wintry chill in my bones. This would be my last winter like this. Either I’d break the curse and be able to move on with my life, or it would claim another soul.

  With a sigh, I hung my new work schedule up on the fridge. Lucky for me a position at the library had opened up at the end of the summer. And since I decided to wait another year for college, I needed the income. Although, remembering the attack at the library, maybe I should’ve taken a job at the gas station instead.

  Turning from the fridge, I glared at the pile of fairytale books on the table. God, why couldn’t I figure it out? It’d be nice to have some type of step-by-step “break the curse” form or at least a multiple choice story problem. I’d spent almost all summer trying to figure this out. But I kept coming up empty. And now that autumn was here, I was running out of time to find answers.

  A knock resonated through the house. I scampered to the door to find Gareth standing there.

  “Hey, what are you doing here?” I moved aside to let him in.

  He caught my gaze, eyes full of worry. “Listen, I stopped by to let you know I have to go away for a while. Things aren’t going well in Faerie right now.”